Microsoft to launch phone to promote Windows 8?

Software giant Microsoft is reportedly planning to build its own mobile phone in order to promote its new Windows 8 operating system.

A report by the China Times and WPCentral claimed that a device is already being tested at Microsoft’s labs.

According to the Telegraph, WPCentral also speculated that a Windows Phone would be helpful to Microsoft “in case the Windows Phone 8 launch doesn’t go well and the currently announced devices don’t catch on.’

The move would build on Microsoft’s previously announced plan to make its own tablet computer, called the Surface, that works on its upcoming Windows 8 operating system.

Microsoft has already announced Windows Phone devices with Nokia, HTC and Samsung, as well as other partners.

Most of the devices have been positively reviewed, but none has yet sold in the numbers the company needs to make an impact against rival Google Android or Apple iOS.